Solar Estimator

Estimator – Utility-Scale Solar
Location: Remote (preference for candidates who can travel to a West Coast office periodically)

Opportunity

A leading renewable energy developer, engineer, and operator of large-scale solar and battery storage projects is seeking a skilled Estimator to join its growing Preconstruction team. This organization delivers utility-scale renewable projects with speed, quality, and technical excellence. The Estimator will play a critical role in supporting the early- and late-stage development of solar and storage projects by preparing accurate, competitive, and data-driven cost estimates.

Overview

The Estimator will develop detailed project cost estimates, evaluate EPC bids, and provide strategic insights that inform project decisions throughout the development lifecycle. This position focuses on estimating civil, electrical, and structural Balance of Plant (BOP) scopes for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects. The ideal candidate brings a strong construction estimating foundation, familiarity with renewable energy infrastructure, and experience with large-scale project cost modeling.

Core Responsibilities

Estimate Development

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for utility-scale solar and storage projects, including site prep, foundations, racking, electrical systems, transmission tie-ins, labor, and substations.

• Review, analyze, and level bids from subcontractors and suppliers.

• Build and maintain cost databases, unit price libraries, and labor productivity benchmarks specific to solar EPC work.

• Produce conceptual, budgetary, and detailed estimates with appropriate contingencies.

Market, Data & Cost Analysis

• Maintain accurate cost data, historical benchmarks, and regional pricing trends.

• Analyze labor, equipment, and material pricing to support accurate forecasting.

• Incorporate prevailing wage, apprenticeship requirements, and regional cost factors into models.

• Compare internal estimates against industry benchmarks and publicly available data to validate competitiveness.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with engineering to assess design alternatives and cost implications.

• Support procurement with vendor outreach, bid solicitation, and bid evaluation.

• Provide estimating input during land acquisition, permitting, and interconnection planning.

• Present cost breakdowns, assumptions, and risk analyses to leadership.

Process & Tools

• Utilize estimating software and internal models to standardize estimate formats and assumptions.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of forecasting tools and project controls processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience estimating large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, or EPC construction (solar strongly preferred).

• Strong understanding of solar PV and battery storage technologies, components, and installation workflows.

• Experience with prevailing wage compliance, labor productivity analysis, and regional cost variations.

• High proficiency in Excel; experience with estimating software required. Scheduling tools (e.g., P6, MS Project) a plus.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and commercial awareness (EPC contracts, lump sum, unit price structures).

• Proactive approach to risk identification, value engineering, and cost optimization.